The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-03-05
WHITE-FACED CICELY.
How She Brought Her Master
Near the Gallows.

In the waning light of September even
ing, about the middle of the last century,
there might have been seen traversing at
fools pace the broad stretch Of common
land known to the natives of shire, far
and wide, as "Hangman's Heath" stall
wart, pleasant-looking gentleman of appar-
entity that age when man Is supposed to
be in his prime, mounted on an exceedingly
well-bred bay mare, possessing two white
heels, and probably the whitest face ever
beheld on one of the equine race. 1t was
no ordinary blaze of white this, such as is
constantly seen on horses visage, coming
down the center and tapering off to point
as it reaches the nose, but, beginning at the
forehead, which it covered completely, it
widened as it got beneath the eye, and
reaching to where the cheek bone projects
on either side, came straight down and right
across the whole face, looking for all the
world as if some one had taken huge
brushful of whitewash, brought it down
with one deft sweep 2nd there left it.
Altogether, Major George Brabazons
good-looking mare, owing to the extraordi-
nary mark just described, once seen was
not easily forgotten, though in justice it
must be said that her perfect make and
shape were quite enough in themselves to
attract the attention at any time of any one
versed in horsefesh.
George Brabazon, Notwithstanding his
forty odd years and his game leg, was still
a very good-looking fellow; trifie stout
certainly, the natural consequence of liv-
ing an easy and contented life after the
knockings about and hardships he had UNI
vdergone during his military career, but
still very presentable for all that with his
fine, well-set up figure ard well-cut fea-
lures. Therefore twas not to be wondered
at that he was looked upon by the ladies
generally as fair game for them to set their
caps at For five years did the gallant off,
Ger resist all their wiles and articles and
go his jolly way rejoicing, laughing in his
sleeve at their discontinue. Then there
suddenly appeared upon the scene fair
widow named Thomson. The Major was
asked to come to tea one evening by his
friend, Mrs. Matchum, for the express pur-
pose of being introduced to the widow, and
the Major, though not much of hand at
tea-drinldng-a bowl Of punch or bishop
being more in his line-accepted the invita-
ton, as he admired Mrs Matchum and was
curious to see the Widow Thomson, whom
nc had already heard toasted. Alas! with
that dish of tea away went the Majors
freedom for good and all. He entered the
house with all the confidence imaginable,
his heart, as he thought, fully prepared
against any siege that might be laid to it in
the shape Of captivating looks and soft
speeches, such as are often employed with
considerable success by lovely woman
when in pursuit of her lawful quarry-man
He left it defeated at all points, having
struck his flag and given up his arms with
out so much as the semblance of a strug-
gle. Yes there was no doubt at all about
it. The fascinating Widow Thomson had
effected in five minutes what all the other
ladies whereabouts had been endeavoring
TO do for the last five years, and had fairly
won the Majors heart at the very first at
tempt.
1t was indeed famous victory. Three
days afterwards the Major was observed to
leave Mrs. Matchum's house, and mount his
favorite mare, who was being led about
outside, looking, if it were possible, more
radiant and jolly than ever. He was un-
commonly smart, too, was the Major, his
Families wig was new, so was his coat,
and as he rode gayly away he threw the
astonished beggar who had held his mare a
crown piece. Something was up with the
Major. What could it be? All Plumperton
was dying to know, and seeing that Plum
perton was just about the last place to keen
secret in for long you may depend upon
at shat it was not very long before Plum
perton did know.
In half an hours time the murder was
out, and twas known all over the town that
Major George was engaged to be married
|'ro the Widow Thomson, of course" ex.
claimed Skinner, the lawyer, on being told
the news by The mayor, whom he met
casually in the High street.
''Of course" replied the mayor, pomp
ouslv, as much as to say, ''who else could
it b., stupid head!"
We must now go back to where we began
and join Major Brabazon as he rode slowly
across Hangman's Heath. The reins hung
loosely over the good bay mares neck, and
her rider, who apparently was not in his
usual spirits, seemed lost in reverie.
The Majors thoughts ran thus: have
been to the races on Smugglebury Down
to-day, and lost my money-a good deal
more than l could afford, especially with
my wedding so handy; and promised the
future Mrs. Brabazon / would never BET
again, too-hal l meant after l was mar
ried, of Counsel l dropped good bit on
the cocktight yesterday, too. By Jove!
shall have TO raise the wind, pistol me if
shan't-makes me feel quite low, declare
ON the top Of that, too-as if losing ones
money wasn't bad enough-coming across
poor young Jack Wilder swinging in chains
he,n't made me feel more cheerful. Stupic
,of me not to have remembered their string
ing aim up on the heath here. Poor fellow
and remember him little chap in petit
coats, First~a happy young farmer; mex
drink, low company, and gambling; ther
"stand and deliverw Poor boy, poor boy
such u good looking chap as he was too